Heights Happenings: December 1- December 8, 2010

Thursday, December 2- Friday, December 3, Noon - 8 PM and Saturday, December 4, Sunday, December 5 9 AM- 5 PM: HPD's 25th Annual La Comida Food Drive

• Now, more than ever, your help is needed to reach out and help our less fortunate neighbors enjoy a family meal this holiday season. HPD partners with Fiesta to collect, package and distribute boxes of food to Houston's underprivileged families. Last year, HPD was able to distribute 3,500 boxes of food.
• Donations of non-perishable food items and cash will be accepted at the Fiesta at 2300 N Shepherd. Please help hungry families eat this holiday season!

Thursday, December 2, 7 PM: Sunset Heights Monthly Meeting/ Holiday Pot Luck Dinner

• Actually, this month it's not a meeting, it's a party! There will be a slide show with pictures from the 100 Year Anniversary Celebration.
• The civic club will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toy for Tots.

Friday, December 3, 6-9 PM: Opening of The Artful Corner's 7th Annual Arts Market

• Great artist made jewelry, ceramics, mosaics, glass, jewelry, scarves, purses and home accessories
• A portion of proceeds from the event, which goes through Dec 5th, will support AIDS Foundation Houston. Also, your donation of a new, unwrapped toy will help children affected by HIV/AIDS have a joyful Holiday season.

Friday, December 3, 6-10 PM: Holiday on 19th

• For the first time in the 20+ year history of this event 19th St merchants have partnered with the Star of Hope to do a blanket and toy drive to coincide with the event. Merchants are collecting new and gently used blankets and new toys from now through Friday.
• Many merchants are offering discounts, grab bags and free gifts in return for donations. In addition, many merchants will be donating a portion of their sales from the evening back to the Star of Hope!
• Heights Life friend and favorite Sew Crafty is hosting the Etsy Houston "Sew Craftiest Time of the Year" and is also sponsoring a free t-shirt screening as part of the festivities. Patrons can bring their own item of clothing the night of December 3rd and, for a minimum donation of $2, have a cool design professionally screened* on a t-shirt. Proceeds benefit Star of Hope. *This is a slight change. Originally the screen printer was going to allow ppl to bring their own design but found that, logistically, it wasn't going to work. Apologies if you were all ready to have your band's logo on a shirt to find out now it won't be so

Saturday, December 4, 11 AM- 5 PM: 4th Annual Underground Arts Market

Saturday, December 4, 11 AM- 6PM: Mistletoe Madness and MORE

In addition to the Arts Market and other Madness on 19th St, check out great events in other parts of the Heights:

Noon- 6 PM: Craftidote at Antidote

• 2nd Annual Craft and Makers Market, curated by photographer and clay mistress Carole Smith.
• Vendors will have glass, wool and yarn, handmade clothes, jewelery, yummy chocolate covered pretzels, art, wooly hats, christmas ornaments, ceramics, T shirts, paintings, cards, bags, worry dolls and much more

Noon- 6 PM: Feliz Navidad por Perros y Gatos at A Peaceful Pet

• This is a charity fundraiser to benefit Rescue Bank - the food bank for animal shelters. A Peaceful Pet is hosting this celebration of the season with food, music and pinatas!
• "All people and polite pets are invited to attend."
• A free traditional Mexican lunch will be served from Noon-1:00, generously donated by La Mexicana, a local family owned restaurant.
• Free samples of Wysong and Solid Gold pet foods and treats will also be offered throughout the day. Sponsor a pinata. The proceeds go directly to Rescue Bank. Their volunteers will be here helping people help animals.
• 4:00 - 5:00 Happy Hour! Mexican coffee w/ Cuervo or Kahlua. Hot chocolate and caramels for kids and those that are kids @ heart. 10% off all pet products - 1 hour, only!
• For more info call 832-549-1730

1PM- 4 PM: Join Heights Garden Club at 1646 Harvard where Laurin Lindsey & Shawn Michael of Ravenscourt Landscaping will talk about English garden design. Visitors will be able to tour their formal gardens, and afterwards, all are invited to a holiday open house with handcrafted jewelry and snacks.

Wednesday, December 8, 7- 8:30 PM: Contents Heights presents Style 101: Fabulous at Any Age

• Contents will be offering tips and tricks on how to dress fabulous for any age group from 7-7:30pm
• The rest of the evening will be for questions and shopping!
• If you would like to attend please RSVP by calling Contents at 713-880-1515 and feel free to bring your friends.

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Sunday, December 5, 5 PM til Bar Time: Poison Girl hosts Benefit for the employees of Agora

• On Halloween night, the beloved local wine bar and coffee house Agora was heavily damaged by a fire. The owners are already rebuilding and Agora will reopen soon. But, the staff of Agora have been without work -- and, therefore, without income -- for over a month.
• So, the folks at Poison Girl are stepping up and are going to donate all of their profits for the night to the employees of Agora.
• If that's not enough motivation to get you out drinking, the beautiful Belly Dancers who perform at Agora every Wednesday will dance at 10:30 pm.
• Alcohol, belly dancers, and a good cause. See you there!

Heights Happenings: November 24- Dec 1, 2010

Thursday, November 25, all day: Happy Thanksgiving!

• I hope you all have many things to be thankful for this year.
• I am thankful for my beautiful children, my patient and loving husband, the time available to write this blog, the people I have gotten to know in the Heights thru this blog, the strong sense of community here, and that you are all here, reading what I write and finding it sometimes interesting and sometimes useful. Thank you!

Monday, November 29, all day: A shameless plug for my own birthday

• Happy Birthday to me. Thanks to my grandmother, who celebrated every year of her life, I have no qualms about getting older. Age is just a number!

Heights Happenings: November 17- November 24, 2010

Friday, November 19- Sunday, November 21: Spacetaker presents WHAM!

• This probably looks familiar since I posted about it last week, but the Shops at Houston Center Event is just a sideshow to the official event this weekend at very-close-to-the-Heights Winter Street Studios.
• The Market is "one part curated festival, one part holiday party, and all kinds of fun. Houston artists come together at this alternative winter wonderland of paintings, jewelry, clothing and more."
• Free admission. 2101 Winter Street

Saturday, November 20, 5:30 PM: 2nd Annual Jaycee Park Movie Night

• Friends of Jaycee Park invites you to kick off the Christmas season with a trio of Christmas movie favorites at the park!
• Concessions open at 5:30, movies start at 6 pm.
• There is no admission but All concession proceeds will benefit the Friends of Jaycee Park renovation efforts. Concessions will include pizza, popcorn and more
• 1300 Seamist, 77008

PLAN AHEAD:

Friday, December 3, 6 PM- 10 PM: Etsy Houston presents The Sew Craftiest Time of the Year!

• Sew Crafty hosts the Etsy Houston handmade holiday shop-o-rama!
• There will be refreshments, a photobooth and more. Watch The Etsy Houston blog for additional info.

Saturday, December 4, 7 PM & Sunday, December 5, 11 AM: The 20th Annual St Mark's Christmas Pagent

• Free family holiday fun on the church lawn (indoors if incliment weather). A Heights Tradition with a living Nativity, the procession of the Magi, the St Mark's vocal & bell choirs. Cookies & wassail, fellowship and celebration. All are welcome.
• St Mark's United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore St.

A Coven in the Heights: 2nd Annual Witches Luncheon at Stella Sola

The Friday before Halloween, I attended the 2nd Annual Witches Luncheon. This great event is put on by the Houston Heights Women's Club and is a great New Orleans tradition brought to the Heights by member Trudy Nelson. I was so happy to be able to attend again this year. The Heights Women's Club is a great organization (of which I need to join but just keep forgetting to send my money. Sigh) with a great mix of women from the Heights, as well as women who no longer live in the Heights but have personal or family history here.

Like last year, the luncheon was held upstairs at Stella Sola. If you've never seen the event rooms upstairs, they are a nice blank canvas- clean, spacious, lots of windows. Last year, Stella Sola was a new restaurant at the time of the luncheon. In fact, if I remember correctly they weren't even open for business. What a difference a year makes. Not only has the restaurant received national recognition and it's Chef du Cuisine, Justin Bayse, nominated for a James Beard Award, but Chef/Owner Brian Caswell was a contestant on The Next Iron Chef, narrowly missing the Final 4 (and making H-town very proud).

Fun, festive table settings.

Heights Women's Club member Joanne Starbuck made these gorgeous programs for the tables. Is there any shortage of creative people in the Heights? You can find out more about Joanne's hand stamped cards and gift ideas on her webpage.

Area women mixed and mingled. I ran in to a couple of people I met last year and also saw some folks I know from around the neighborhood. It was a great mix of people!

One of the things I love about the crowd at this event is that everyone really went all out. There were all manner of witches. Last year, I wasn't sure, so I wore a black dress and brought a little hat. This year, I spent a couple hours hand stitching tulle and black feathers on to a hat but it still paled in comparison to some of the great outfits people put together.

A couple of my favorite details:

I searched and searched for striped tights. On Thursday. Next year I'll know to order them on line ahead of time!

There were several Halloween themed door prizes, plus awards for Best Costume and Best Hat. Also, next year's Good Witch and Bad Witch (also known as Co-Chairs of the event) were named.

This year's Co-Chairs: Good Witch Shea Hill and Bad Witch Amydell Beardshall.

Again, I had such a great time at this event. It's open to non-members, but once you go, you'll want to join. The organization has so much history in the Heights. Founded in 1900, it is one of the oldest social clubs in Houston. The history of the Club is very much entwined with the history of Houston and the Heights. If you're interested in finding out more, you can check out the Club's webpage or their Facebook page. If you would like to attend an event, there is no need to wait until the next meeting of the Coven. There is a wonderful Holiday Tea coming up, as well as a hayride and more throughout the year. Calendar and contact information are listed on the website.

Now off to pay my own membership dues...

Grow Community. Shop Co-op. From guest blogger Tiffany Tyler

Tiffany is a Houston native, Heights resident, involved community member, active parent and Chair of the Board of Directors of Central City Co-Op. November is National Co-operative Month and Central City needs community support this month and every month to continue offering healthy, natural and local foods to area families. Read on:

Did you know that November is National Co-operative Month? Co-ops bring goods and services to the community at reduced costs through the pooling of resources and collaborative working by co-op members. Did you know that the Montrose/ Heights area has its own local co-operative for organic and sustainably raised produce? It is the Central City Co-op (www.centralcityco-op.com). This member-based organization works to support local farmers and community gardens, to educate the public about farming practices and to encourage the consumption of whole, natural foods instead of commercial processed products.

Currently a tenant in Grace Lutheran Church at 2515 Waugh (at Missouri), the Co-op is open each Wednesday 9 am to 6 pm. Farmers and suppliers deliver fresh vegetables each week for the Wednesday market day and the market manager selects the produce each week with an eye to what is the best value for the money, seasonally appropriate local farm offerings and things that taste good.

Shoppers can pre-order a mixed fruit share or mixed produce share (fruit & vegetables) in sizes to suit most needs. Central City also offers a fresh selection of open market items that can be bought directly off the shelf. This includes basic seasonal fruit and vegetables, dry goods including beans, rice and grains, local honey, locally roasted coffee and other items. Additionally the Co-op has an exciting rotation of local vendors who provide prepared foods, eggs, and artisanal gift items each week.

The shopping atmosphere is casual and friendly, with volunteers to help with any questions you have about the produce or how to prepare it, or to distract a child. Shoppers can linger and chat, or do a quick shop and go. There’s no supermarket parking lot to battle, and a cup of locally roasted coffee is available for a few coins tossed in a jar.

Though co-operatives are member-based organizations, Central City welcomes guest shoppers. A day pass is $1, which is waived for the first visit. Annual membership begins at $48, and membership credit may be earned for volunteering at the co-op. Volunteers are always needed in a variety of areas. Through the end of 2010, you may purchase your 2011 membership and get the rest of this year for free!

Central City grows its community through work with local organizations and schools, including the Health and Wellness Committee at Travis Elementary. In the past 3 years, they have donated over $15,000 in local and organic produce to soup kitchens and food pantries in the inner loop area. Members donate time to the Houston Food Policy Workgroup and the Urban Farm Belt Coalition, as well as Urban Harvest.

The Co-op’s work in the community depends on the financial health of the Wednesday market. Like many small businesses, Central City has felt the squeeze of recent economic pressures. Sales have declined in recent months, and the impact has been deep. The co-op needs to sell at least 150 shares each week to meet its financial obligations, and recent weeks have seen the numbers drop below 110. Without the support of the community, Central City will not be able to continue its work. Orders can be placed online each week up until Sunday at 6 pm for pickup on Wednesday, and open market shopping is available on a walk-in basis. Shopping with the Co-op can enrich your diet with whole, sustainably raised food at reasonable prices. Spending time in the Co-op can open your mind and put a smile on your face. Supporting the Co-op with your time and shopping dollars can help grow a healthier community, one avocado at a time.

So, this is what a Down House is...

Well, I was wrong in my speculation about the new "club" going in on Yale- explaining why I never heard back from the pizza guy. Luckily, I did hear back from someone. Chris Cusack is a Houston native who is hoping to parlay his successes with 2 Austin coffee shops in to a new venture in the Heights. Here are some excerpts from Chris's email, giving more insight in to what, exactly, Down House will be:

About Down House

The idea is something like this: One-third of our product focus will be on great coffee, one-third on outstanding casual faire (sandwiches, salads, appetizers, gourmet bar snacks), and one-third on a great wine list, craft beers, and vintage, hand-crafted cocktails. We're planning on a dazzling Sunday brunch. It'll be a warm and casual environment with a sincere focus on hospitality and being a real cornerstone in the Heights community. Down House will be the kind of place where you can have a meeting with clients, catch up with friends, go on a date, or just get some work done. Down House will always be a family-friendly spot.

About Us

Joey (Chris's partner in the club) and I are both from Houston, and I actually attended Heights Montessori School (which used to be on Harvard) as a kiddo. I had a hamburger at Yale Pharmacy the other day, and I mentioned that I used to eat ice cream at the same counter when I was about four years old. She laughed and said that she'd been working there so long that she probably made one for me!

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and have since owned and operated two successful neighborhood coffee shops in Austin called Thunderbird Coffee. My deeply held beliefs on quality ingredients and great service have been strengthened since we opened several years ago. Our baristas can make a cappuccino that will blow your mind!

Joey and I have always wanted to create a place like Down House, but we never thought we would be so lucky to have a great space in such an amazing neighborhood. We plan on making our greatest effort to make Down House of the Heights and for the Heights.

About Club Down House

We are applying for a private club liquor license, but I really want to make it clear that Down House is not a bar. Again, the focus on that part of the program will be a strong wine list, delicious craft and local beers, and unique cocktails made with the best ingredients. The "club" part of the name on the sign refers to the non-profit status of the member-owned club (because that part of the Heights is dry) that will technically own the license and the alcohol. Down House, LLC will only manage the club.

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Chris and I chatted a bit about the family friendly aspect and he is very open to suggestions on how it can be a place for some of you non-breeders to relax, while I can come along with my kids and enjoy food and drink as well. If you have (real, not snarky) opinions on how that can work, please post them! I do remember (sometimes fondly) the days before I was a mom and know that not everyone enjoys their company, but those people can also go drink in bars. And being a mom often means needing a drink.

One interesting point about being a private club in the dry area that I wasn't aware of: The law stipulates that the initial stock of alcohol MUST be bought by the members of the club. Because of this, Chris needs help and has something to offer in return.

Incidentally, we are looking for new members of the club to sign up and donate a $20 stocking fee to Club Down House. With every $20 donation (limit one per person!), we are offering a $25 gift certificate to Down House. I would love to have some of your readers on board.

So, if you're interested you can email me about it and I'll be sure Chris gets your name and contact information.

Heights Happenings: November 10- November 17, 2010

Friday, November 12, 6 PM- 9PM: The Artful Corner opening reception for Heights artist Chris Silkwood

• The Artful Corner is starting the Holiday Season off with an exclusive showing of small works by local mosaic artist, Chris Silkwood
• Chris learned the art of mosaic more than 12 years ago when living in Australia. She had the opportunity to study with the artists of ArtBusters, a renowned mosaic studio in Brisbane, Australia. After returning to the United States, she also took classes at the famed Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy.
• Also, raffle tickets are still available to win a large collection of art pieces in support of the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). $20 each or 6 for $100.

Saturday, November 13, 10 AM- 4 PM: Houston Arts & Media presents Houston History Book Fair & Symposium

• HAM is very excited to present their first Houston History Book Fair & Symposium.
• Hosted at Heights Church of Christ, itself a 1924 City of Houston Landmark, 16th at Heights.
• A different author will be speaking in the church library every half hour, on the half hour. Many of the top books on Houston's past will be available. Hear about local history from the people who tell the stories.
• Book signing and door prizes
• There will also be a panel discussion with Acadia Publishing "at midday" which will cover researching and publishing a book on area history.

PLAN AHEAD/ OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS

Friday, November 12, 5 PM- 9 PM: Feed Awareness with Connect Houston

• Join Connect Houston for a night of networking with Houston’s best to heighten awareness around hunger and homelessness in our community.
• Proceeds benefit local Houston charity, Noah's Kitchen, to help their "SleepOut Saturday" event, kicking-off National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
• Stefani Vara, local Houston recording artist, will be performing live.
• Minimum donation of $10 required for entry. Donate and RSVP HERE
• Hosted by The Manor, 4819 Washington Avenue

Saturday, November 13, 10 AM- 2 PM: Comp-U-Dopt and TechnoCycle electronic recycling at Discovery Green

• Both organizations will be on hand to collect old electronics during Discovery Green's weekly recycling stations. Comp-U-Dopt is a local non profit organization that provides recycled/refurbished computers to children.

December 7- 10, 2010: Spacetaker’s Winter Holiday Art Market (WHAM) comes to The Shops at Houston Center as part of Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular.

• Now in its 5th year, the event will feature hand-crafted items by more than 25 local artists including jewelry, sculpture, photography, paintings, clothing and more. Doors will be open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday evening will be a shopper’s delight, with happy hour shopping from 5-8 p.m.
• Food and refreshments will be served, with live entertainment and artists who will display their wares for one night only.
• “We are so excited to bring the uber-unique WHAM market to downtown for the holidays,” said Angie Bertinot, director of marketing and communications for Downtown District.
• For more information about WHAM and a list of participating artists, visit www.winterholidayartmarket.com. For a complete guide on all the events during the downtown Holiday Spectacular, visit www.downtownhouston.org or become a Facebook fan.

I'm not taking sides

However, I want to share this email. The videos that are intended to demonstrate, once and for all, what the Historic Ordinance does and does not do. This might not change your mind either way. Most people who are for are for, no matter what. Most people who are against are against, no matter what. BUT the discourse around the issue has been so confusing and so much misinformation has been put out there that maybe, just maybe, this presentation can set the record straight so when we talk about it, we're talking in facts....

Get the facts about Houston’s historic preservation ordinance

View the Planning & Development director’s online presentation

Preservation opponents continue to spread misinformation and disinformation about the recent changes to the historic preservation ordinance. Do not let scare tactics spur you to make an impulsive decision that could have long-lasting effects for you and your neighbors.

A factual presentation by Planning & Development Director Marlene Gafrick is available online explaining what the amended ordinance does and does not do. Use the links below to view the four-part program:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRJrDd6cb7A

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae5DyFiwuk4

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp81p1Yq2HQ

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8X3IpwWfcs

If any of these links do not work, please visit www.youtube.com and enter “Marlene Gafrick” in the search engine.

Please share this information with your neighbors and please do not sign any petitions regarding Houston’s historic districts. These petitions could result in the dissolution of Houston’s designated historic districts and the loss of preservation protections for you and your neighbors.

If you have any questions regarding the preservation ordinance, please get your answers from the people responsible for administering the ordinance by contacting Planning & Development Department staff at historicpreservation@houstontx.gov or 713-837-7701.

The City of Houston has posted a summary of the amendments and what they mean on the Planning & Development Department website. [Click here] to access that information.

Header photos: Courtlandt Place Historic District,

Audubon Place Historic District,

Westmoreland Historic District.

Photos by Jim Parsons and David Bush.

What's a Club Down House?

This is just speculation on my part but it may be something a lot like Denver's Cucina Colore. A couple months ago, I got an email wondering if I had any opinions on how the Heights would react to a new restaurant going in to the "dry area" around 19th. Of course, I have opinions but aside from my own, I asked around. I would say 90% of the people I spoke with were very open, some even excited about the idea. I passed this information on and then just a couple months later, I find the TABC permit for a private club in the very window that was asked about: the former Grateful Images building at 1801 Yale.

Grateful Images was one of my 1st company profiles and they will always have a special place in my heart for that (cue sentimental music ), but I am excited that there will be a restaurant in this location. I think the Cucina Colore concept could be a good one in this space. It sort of reminds me of what California Pizza Kitchen would be like if it was actually any good (Disclaimer: I take my kids to CPK a lot).

Again, this is total speculation on my part. Emails to the possible business owner have not been returned and, frankly, I am no good at researching TABC licenses. But if anyone else is, Club Down House is the applicant for the Private Club License. Let us know what you find out!

For anyone wondering the how and why of the Private Club and dry area, here is a very simple explaination: You can serve alcohol in the dry section of the Heights (or anywhere) if you are a private club. Patrons have to become "members" to order adult beverages. If you've ever been to Shade and had a cocktail or wine, you know how this goes. They ask for your ID and ring it up in some little TABC machine and viola, you are a member. There is no cost (at least not if the establishment is smart) and you are a member for some period of time, probably a year. That's all.

People like to complain that it's too hard to be a "private club" and that no restaurants will ever open where it's dry. Well, we have plenty of BYOB establishments that prove it doesn't necessarily take liquor sales to make a successful eatery. Also, one of the biggest "restaurant rows" in Dallas is in a dry area. Oh, and there is that little place Shade that I mentioned, which does pretty well.

I am strongly in favor of keeping the dry area as such, but I think if we have a few people who are willing to go the private club route, the 19th Street area can use more businesses that attract an evening crowd to the vicinity. Otherwise, it's plenty wet up and down Studewood.

Heights Happenings: November 3- November 10, 2010

Saturday, November 6, 10 AM- 4 PM: St Andrew's Autumn Bazaar

• The Bazaar will feature more than 40 area artisans, crafters, and specialty vendors.
• Items available for purchase will include home décor, jewelry, gourmet foods, purses, handmade quilts, art and photography, toys, bath and body products, candles, aprons, baby items, home baked goodies and much, much more!
• Musical performers will include the Reagan High School Jazz Band.
• Admission to this annual shopping event is free. For a full list of vendors visit St Andrew's website
• 1819 Heights Boulevard

Saturday, November 6, 11 AM- 3 PM: Helms Elementary's Fall Festival

• In keeping with a 20 year tradition, Helms Community Learning Center, a Height’s area dual language elementary school, is rolling out their annual Fall Festival.
• Admission is free and tickets for delicious hot food, concessions, face painting, games, pony rides, and raffle tickets that offer a chance to win an Apple IPod. All proceeds from the Fall Festival go directly to support programs for the students at Helms.
• Helms Community Learning Center Spark Park, 22nd at Lawrence

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Tuesday, November 9, 7PM- 10PM: Citizens for Animal Protection's's Art Bark 2010

• Cocktails, buffet dinner and art... all for the animals at CAP's shelter. The Art Bark is a silent auction of art, sculpture,and objets d'art benefitting Citizens for Animal Protection. The party will also feature the premiere of CAP's annual calendar, featuring CAP supporters and their four-legged friends.
• Hosted by Evie Melcher & Magic Schwarz, 426 Thamer Lane, 77024
• Tickets: $50 per person. You can find a Reply Card on the Event Facebook page

I've actually had more than one person recently tell me they wish they knew more about the Heights house concerts that happen. Well, here you go!

Saturday, November 6, Rouse House Concerts presents Chuck E Costa

• Guests should arrive between 6:15 and 7:15 pm for drinks and a pot luck dinner prior to the concert. No need to bring any food (other than a bag of canned goods for donation). Deb and Linsey will be serving red beans and rice and chili. They also provide coffee and lemonade but please bring your choice of beverage should you prefer something else.
• Music will begin at 7:30 pm.
• RSVPs are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis. Due to guidance from ASCAP and BMI, Rouse House cannot accept payments prior to the party. They are suggesting an honorarium of $20 per person, which can be paid by cash.
• To RSVP, please email Rouse House with the number of guests who will be attending. rouse_house_concerts@yahoo.com
• 
  

Friday, November 19, 7:00 PM: Kolanowski Studio presents Vince Gilbert

• "The voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar of a god..." "The lyrics alone are better than almost anything else you’ve heard..." Fort Worth Star Telegram
• Technically this is a private party. Attendance is by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please email Kim (kim@kolanowskistudio.com) or Greg (greg@kolanowskistudio.com) and get on the mailing list. They will send you a form to complete to RSVP.
• RSVPs with payment are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis.
• The cost is $20 per person, with all proceeds going to Vance. You can pay by check or Paypal.
• Guests should plan to arrive between 7:00 and 7:30 pm for drinks and snacks prior to the concert. The Studio provides hors d' oeuvres and soft drinks but you can bring your choice of beverage if you's like wine or something else. Music will begin at 8:00 pm.

Friday, November 19, 8:30 PM: The Listening Room at Nia Moves presents Alejandro Escovedo

• It's not a "house concert" but it's about as intimate as you can get outside of someone's living room. The Listening Room at Nia Moves was voted #1 music venue in Houston in the recent Click2 poll!
• The venue feels pretty certain this will sell out and only has 30 tickets available as of 11/2. If you're interested in this great show, do not hesitate. You can buy tickets here via Nia Moves.
• $32.50 in advance. $40 at the door if there are any left.